Mortgage rates hit 2014 low

The government’s stimulus program has helped keep borrowing costs down. The Federal Reserve has been purchasing Treasury Bonds and mortgaged-backed securities for years, providing a steady market for mortgages.But the Fed has cut back on its purchases, and plans to end the buying program entirely in October, reducing demand for mortgage bonds. That should eventually cause rates to climb.

Low mortgage rates and home prices that are climbing more slowly should boost the housing market, said to Keith Gumbinger, spokesman for HSH.com, a mortgage information company.

“That should provide a solid foundation for home sales this fall,” he said.